A conservative Iranian lawmaker slapped a confidant of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday, alleging the official was trying to pay legislators not to vote for the impeachment of the interior minister.

Iran forced an aircraft carrying Hungarian military officials to land after it entered its airspace, Hungary's Defense Ministry said Tuesday. The plane was allowed to continue to Afghanistan after it was determined the entry was accidental.

Iranian news reports claimed Tuesday that Iran forced down a Western aircraft that accidentally entered its airspace, then allowed the plane to continue to Afghanistan after questioning its passengers.

Iranian news reports claimed Tuesday that Iran forced down a Western aircraft that accidentally entered its airspace, then allowed the plane to continue to Afghanistan after questioning its passengers.

Hackers defaced the official website of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, mocking him in language often used by Sunni Arab extremists. A news agency in Shiite-dominated Iran said al-Sistani's site was among hundreds that were targeted.

Iran's president said Saturday his country now possesses 6,000 centrifuges, a significant increase in its nuclear program that is certain to further rankle the United States and others who fear Tehran is intent on developing weapons.

Iran's president said Saturday his country now possesses 6,000 centrifuges, a significant increase in its nuclear program that is certain to further rankle the United States and others who fear Tehran is intent on developing weapons.